Drew Gilbert

Drew Gilbert Bio

Andrew Christopher Gilbert (born September 27, 2000) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers before being selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Gilbert is known for his defensive prowess in center field and his competitive drive, which he developed through an outstanding amateur career in Minnesota. He made his MLB debut with the Giants in August 2025 after being acquired from the New York Mets organization.

Early Life and Background

Gilbert grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota, and attended Stillwater Area High School. During his junior year, he delivered a standout performance to lead Stillwater to its first state championship since 1991, striking out 15 batters and throwing over 115 pitches in a complete-game shutout. He finished that season batting .400 while also posting a 7–1 record with a 0.63 earned run average and 100 strikeouts over 55 innings on the mound.

As a senior in 2019, Gilbert established himself as one of Minnesota’s top high school baseball players. He earned the titles of St. Paul Pioneer Press Baseball Player of the Year, Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, and Minnesota Mr. Baseball. He compiled 97 strikeouts while allowing only one run over 49 innings on the mound and hit .370 with eight stolen bases at the plate. Gilbert originally committed to play for Oregon State University but switched his commitment to the University of Tennessee following a coaching change.

Path to Professional Baseball

Gilbert enrolled at the University of Tennessee for the 2020 season. He pitched eight innings and made ten starts in the outfield before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the collegiate season early. As a sophomore in 2021, Gilbert became Tennessee’s starting center fielder and earned Southeastern Conference Newcomer of the Week honors twice during the season. He gained national attention when he hit a walk-off grand slam against Wright State in the first round of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, powering the Volunteers to a 9–8 victory. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Knoxville Regional after hitting a home run in all three regional games, helping Tennessee reach its first Super Regional in 16 years. Gilbert finished the 2021 season having started 67 games with a .274 batting average, .341 on-base percentage, .437 slugging percentage, ten home runs, 62 runs batted in, and ten stolen bases.

Following his sophomore campaign, Gilbert was selected to the USA Baseball National Collegiate Team. He returned as Tennessee’s starting center fielder for his junior season in 2022 and was named to the All-SEC First Team. During the Super Regional against Notre Dame, Gilbert was ejected and suspended one game for arguing a strike call. He returned for the decisive third game, but Tennessee’s season ended in defeat. Gilbert completed his collegiate career having appeared in 58 games with a .362 batting average, .455 on-base percentage, .673 slugging percentage, 11 home runs, 70 runs batted in, and 21 doubles. The Houston Astros selected Gilbert with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, and he signed for $2.5 million.

Drew Gilbert Career

Houston Astros Organization (2022–2023)

Gilbert made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Astros and homered in his first at-bat. After just four games, he was promoted to the Single-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers. His debut season ended prematurely in August when he suffered a dislocated right elbow following a collision in the outfield. Over ten games in 2022, he hit .313 with two home runs.

To begin the 2023 season, Gilbert was assigned to the High-A Asheville Tourists. He earned a promotion to the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks in early May. Gilbert was selected to represent the Houston Astros at the 2023 All-Star Futures Game, showcasing his development as one of the organization’s top prospects.

New York Mets Organization (2023–2025)

On August 1, 2023, the Mets acquired Gilbert and Ryan Clifford from Houston in exchange for pitcher Justin Verlander. He was assigned to the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies following the trade. Over 116 total appearances during the 2023 season, Gilbert slashed .289/.381/.487 with 18 home runs and 59 runs batted in, demonstrating his ability to hit for average and power at the minor league level.

Gilbert began the 2024 season with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets. He missed playing time during the season due to a hamstring injury and spent time rehabilitating with the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Mets and Single-A St. Lucie Mets. Over 62 games, he hit .205 with ten home runs and 33 runs batted in while battling the injury. He opened the 2025 season on the injured list with lingering hamstring issues before being activated in mid-April and assigned to Syracuse.

San Francisco Giants (2025–Present)

On July 30, 2025, the Mets traded Gilbert, José Buttó, and Blade Tidwell to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher Tyler Rogers. Gilbert reported to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, where he went 7-for-14 (.500) with two runs batted in, two stolen bases, and six walks in five appearances.

On August 8, 2025, the Giants selected Gilbert’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut that night at Oracle Park as the starting right fielder, going 0-for-4 at the plate. Gilbert recorded his first major league hit on August 11, a single off Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres. On August 17, he hit his first MLB home run, a solo shot off Mason Englert in a 7–1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays. Gilbert played in 39 games during his rookie campaign and hit .190 with three home runs and 13 runs batted in.

Gilbert was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to begin the 2026 season. He received another call-up to the Giants roster on April 15, 2026, continuing his development at the highest level of professional baseball.

Playing Style and Strengths

Gilbert is primarily a center fielder known for his defensive instincts and range in the outfield. His amateur career showcased his two-way potential as both a hitter and pitcher, though he has focused on his offensive game professionally. He displays competitive fire and has demonstrated the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, evidenced by his walk-off grand slam during the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Notable Events and Milestones

Gilbert’s most celebrated amateur moment came in the 2021 NCAA Tournament when his walk-off grand slam lifted Tennessee past Wright State and he earned regional Most Outstanding Player honors. On the professional side, his MLB debut at Oracle Park on August 8, 2025, marked the realization of his childhood dream. His first major league home run against Tampa Bay provided another milestone in his young career.

Drew Gilbert Career Highlights

Gilbert has accumulated solid statistics across his minor league career, particularly during the 2023 season with Binghamton where he posted a .289 batting average with 18 home runs. His amateur career includes a Minnesota Mr. Baseball title and All-SEC First Team recognition at Tennessee.

Minor League and Amateur Highlights

In his debut professional season (2022), Gilbert hit .313 over ten games before his injury. His breakout came in 2023 when he combined to hit .289 with 18 home runs and 59 RBIs across two minor league levels. At Tennessee, Gilbert hit .362 with 11 home runs and 70 RBIs during his junior season, earning All-SEC First Team honors. His high school career included being named Minnesota Mr. Baseball and leading Stillwater Area High School to its first state championship since 1991.

MLB Performance

Through June 20, 2026, Gilbert has appeared in games for the Giants, compiling a .217 batting average with six home runs and 28 RBIs across parts of two seasons. His first MLB home run came on August 17, 2025, against Tampa Bay.

Drew Gilbert Family

Family information for Drew Gilbert has not been publicly disclosed. He maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares glimpses of his professional baseball journey.

Personal Life

Gilbert continues to pursue his professional baseball career following his call-up to the Giants. His path through the minor leagues, including multiple trades and injury setbacks, has demonstrated his resilience and determination to reach the major leagues.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Gilbert. He began the year with Triple-A Syracuse in the Mets organization before being traded to the Giants in late July. After a brief stint with Sacramento, he earned his first major league call-up in early August. His debut came at Oracle Park, where he immediately contributed as the starting right fielder. He recorded his first MLB hit against Yu Darvish and followed with his first career home run against Tampa Bay. Gilbert finished the season with 39 games played, hitting .190 with three home runs and 13 RBIs while gaining invaluable experience at the highest level of the sport.